World MS Day 2018 brings us closer

The MS International Federation (MSIF) World MS Day 2018 #bringinguscloser campaign and research theme will connect those affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) closer to people involved in MS research – including scientists, students, fundraisers, volunteers, nurses and others – to focus on how research is bringing us closer to a cure for MS.

Around 7.6 million Australians know or love someone with MS.

World MS Day helps to raise awareness about MS and this year (in Australia), of the need for increased funding to accelerate Australian research targeting prevention, better treatments, ways to enhance quality of life and ultimately a cure for MS.

The Bringing Us Closer campaign celebrates people like Carol and Roy Langsford (image link below), who founded The Trish MS Research Foundation in Australia in memory of their daughter, Trish.

“We lost our daughter Trish to MS,” Carol recalls.

“Trish was a happy, vibrant, high-achieving young athlete. Yet, within a few short years she was residing in a nursing home, where she spent the last four years of her life. Trish was completely paralysed, artificially fed and unable to speak or communicate. One can only imagine what she may have been thinking.”

“We are very passionate about saving others from all that Trish endured. No-one should have to suffer like that.”

When: Wednesday 30 May 2018

Where: Global including Australia

Venues: Activities vary in every state/territory of Australia including:

• Nationally
  • Battle of the Labs – MS research labs across the country have put together a video to showcase their research and competing in the Battle of the Labs. The public are encouraged to vote for their favourite video. Voting closes at 12 noon 30th May.
  • Join the global MS Squad – People living with MS put on their game face every single day. On World MS Day we challenge YOU to put on your game face in the most unusual place you can think of, post it to your socials, tags your friends and donate to us #KissGoodbyeToMS. Where will you put on your game face?
  • For other events visit this site.
• QLD is lighting various landmarks/monuments in red and hosting awareness-raising events
• NSW, ACT, VIC & TAS – Hosting a symposium and lighting up buildings in red (TAS)
• WA – Community events in the Perth CBD (Central Park will be transformed into the MSWA Sensory Hub and evening Hip Hop Yoga)
• SA & NT – Lighting the Adelaide Entertainment Centre red and Community event (Darwin)

About MS

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
• It is the most common chronic neurological condition diagnosed in young adults.
• More than 25,000 people throughout Australia live with MS (and more than 2.3 million worldwide).
• MS is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
• 75% of people diagnosed are women.
• The economic impact of MS on the Australian economy is close to $2 billion annually
• MS varies significantly from person to person. For some, it is a disease that comes and goes in severity with periods of unpredictable relapse and remission. For others, it means a progressive decline over time. For all, it is life changing.
• Symptoms vary between people and can come and go; they can include severe pain, walking difficulties, debilitating fatigue, partial blindness and thinking and memory problems.
  There is currently no known cause or cure.

(Source: MS Australia)